#3 The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France
Episode 3, Season 1
Listen & Read
You can listen to this episode below, and read the companion blog with tips, checklists, and resources a little further down.
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The blog
If you’ve ever curled up on the sofa watching a renovation show and thought, “That looks amazing… I could do that”, you’re not alone.
From glossy TV series to binge-worthy YouTube channels, renovating French properties - whether châteaux, barns, farmhouses or old stone houses - is often presented as dreamy, creative and surprisingly straightforward.
But as we discuss in this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, what you see on screen is only a fraction of the real story.
“TV makes it look like you buy a ruin, do a bit of plastering, and suddenly you’re opening to guests. That’s not how it works.” - Rosie
This blog digs into what renovation shows don’t show you - and why believing the edited version can catch real-life renovators out.
What you don’t see on TV (but you’ll deal with in real life)
1. Real timelines
TV compresses years into minutes. In reality, renovations in France take time - even more so if you’re doing it yourself!
“People think they’ll be finished in six months because that’s what they’ve seen on TV, but they’re only seeing the highlights.” - Sue
2. The admin nobody shows
Planning permissions, declarations, diagnostics, insurance - none of it makes good television, but all of it matters.
“You can have the most beautiful design in the world, but if the admin isn’t right, you’re stuck.” - Micala
Skipping this stage can stop work entirely or cause problems when you try to insure or sell.
3. Budgets that quietly grow
Renovation shows rarely explain where the money comes from, where it goes, or why you need a contingency plan.
“Your initial budget is really just your starting point; it’s not the final number.” - Micala
Older buildings hide surprises, and those surprises usually come with a price tag.
4. The invisible professionals
Many shows rely on skilled artisans, architects and engineers, even if the project looks heavily DIY.
“People copy what they see without realising there’s an architect, an engineer and three artisans off camera.” - Sue
Trying to replicate this without expert help is where things often go wrong.
5. The problems that don’t fit the edit
Damp, rotten beams, unstable walls, asbestos, poor electrics, especially common in barns and old stone houses.
“These aren’t rare problems, they’re normal in old buildings.” - Micala
They just don’t often make it into a 45-minute episode.
6. Energy efficiency and compliance
Insulation, heating systems and energy ratings are becoming critical in France.
“You can’t just make it pretty anymore - it has to perform.” - Rosie
A beautiful renovation won’t help if the property is expensive to heat - it’s got to adhere to current DPE laws.
The French property shows we watch
Like many renovators, we watched a lot of renovation TV while working on our own homes - partly for inspiration, partly for reassurance.
“At the time, it felt motivating. Now we watch with a very different eye.” - Sue
Shows we still enjoy (with perspective)
YouTube channels we watch now (and respect!)
These creators show more of the reality behind the renovation:
Chateau de Purnon - thoughtful, correct methods and respect for heritage
How to Renovate a Chateau - creative but practical DIY
Oh No Another Chateau - clear explanations from an architect’s perspective
Final thoughts
Renovation shows are brilliant inspiration, but they’re not instruction manuals.
Whether you’re renovating a château, a barn or an old stone house, the reality in France involves planning, patience and professional input.
“The dream is still possible - it just doesn’t look like TV.” - Rosie
And that’s exactly why French Reno Diaries exists.
Resources mentioned in the episode
Service Public – Official French government information
FrenchEntrée – English-language resource for living and renovating in France
Leroy Merlin & Brico Depot – In-store advice, materials and specification sheets
Local mairie offices and professional artisans for accurate guidance
Facebook groups (use with caution — advice is often mixed!)
Connect with us!
Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com
Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)
S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)
Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)